A major clean-up and repairs are being carried out on a village fish and chip shop gutted by a fire.

Codfather in Kirton was destroyed after a blaze broke out in an air vent which spread to the shop front.

And now the owners, who were left devastated by the fire, have begun the process to rebuild their business to get it back open again as soon as possible.

The family, who live above their business and have run the fish and chip shop for 12 years, were forced to flee as the fire took hold.

Speaking on behalf of her family, Gullu Kilinc Ermis said: "The front part of the shop is completely damaged which is now getting repaired. The builder started on Saturday [May 20] and we are hoping to open in two to three weeks.

"We want to say thank you to everybody - our customers, our community - for the help and support offered. It is so lovely of them.

"We appreciate everything."

Codfather fire

Five fire engines and police cordoned off the road as they tackled the blaze on the morning of Monday, May 15.

These images show the extent of the damage caused inside.

Two people were said to be inside the fish and chip shop when it caught fire but smelt smoke and quickly made their way out of the building.

Jade Leaharchie Faunt, from Kirton said the business is an important part of the village community.

She said: "I feel Codfather is the best fish and chip shop around. They are very friendly and never close.

"I do not know the family personally but my friend does. They always have time to make conversation with you. They are very family orientated and deserve a helping hand and a chance to rebuild their empire back to the very well-known Codfather.

Codfather fire

"They are a lovely family and deserve help to get the business back up and running as soon as possible."

Joan Linchley saw the fire and plumes of smoke coming from the building.

She said: "It was awful. I hung around to check everyone was okay. It's a lovely shop with great food. People are always queuing out the door."